Eclectic social commentary with a chuckle and maybe a sting in the tail

Venezuelan prison riots and collateral damage

Venezuela Star

At least 50 prisoners are dead and over 90 are injured after a riot at Uribana prison in Venezuela. It seems rival gangs within the prison are engaged in a turf war. Obviously when the desired “turf” is delineated by big, thick walls, razor wire and armed guards, there isn’t much room for sharing – not that gangs are notorious for playing nicely. The situation is a bit like the scorpions in a bottle concept with one exception; the scorpions don’t have guards getting caught-up in the middle.

Some will suggest they should just let the gangs kill each other thereby solving the whole problem. While I have no doubt the prison guards at Uribana have taken cover, nor do I blame them, they are still placed in a situation beyond that of the day-to-day guarding of prisoners. If you are going to incarcerate people it is best done humanely; if not for the prisoners sake, then for the collateral damage caused to guards and others.